Two teens jailed for killing boy who wanted to be teacher outside McDonald’s

Two teenagers have been jailed after a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed outside a McDonald's restaurant in south-east London.

Yeray Sanchez Morales suffered nine stab wounds to his neck and chest during the brutal attack outside the restaurant on Old Kent Road, Southwark, shortly before 11pm on August 27 last year. He died in hospital a week later.

The teenager, who had dreams of becoming a PE teacher, was attacked while sitting outside the restaurant with a friend.

Yeray was also struck with a bottle during the violence, which unfolded in front of a crowd of young people. His friend survived and later told police they did not know why they had been targeted.

The investigation led to the conviction of four men and three boys for a range of offences connected to the killing. Detectives said they were able to secure convictions after suspects posted photographs of bloodied hands and knives on social media.

Police used those images, together with CCTV footage, mobile phone evidence and voice notes, to identify those involved and establish their roles in the incident. Officers were also able to link suspects to the attack through distinctive items of clothing seen in footage from the night.

Christhofer Jesus Vasquez, 18, from Enfield, and Andres Tapia Londono, 18, from Haringey, were both convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to four years in custody. Vasquez had previously admitted possession of a bladed article and received a concurrent one-year sentence for that offence.

Isaac Ros Ramirez, 18, of Hackney, and Juan Betancourt Hoyos, 21, of Haringey, were convicted of violent disorder and handed community orders.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of violent disorder and sentenced to 16 months in custody. Another 16-year-old was convicted of violent disorder and received a 12-month youth rehabilitation order.

A third 16-year-old, who had previously admitted violent disorder, intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article in relation to a second victim, was given a community order.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Yeray's mother, Elena Morales, paid tribute to her son and said "his life was stolen."

Describing him as "a sensitive, happy, polite and generous young man", she added: "He had a special way of connecting with others and a kindness that shone through everything he did."

She also spoke of the impact of his death on the family, saying: "As a mother, I have no words to describe the pain that crushes my soul."

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Debbie Barge, who led the investigation, praised the work of detectives in identifying those responsible.

She said: "Detectives worked quickly to track down the suspects, proving their roles in and surrounding Yeray's death.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and hope these convictions can bring them some degree of peace."